Draw a diagram. If the stations are labeled W and E, and the balloon is B, then
angle WBE = 16°
angle WEB = 106°
So, the distance WB can be found using the law of sines:
WB/sin106° = 161/sin16°
Two tracking stations are on the equator 161 miles apart. A weather balloon is located on a bearing of N 32°E from the western station and on a bearing of N 16°E from the eastern station. How far is the balloon from the western station? Round to the nearest mile.
1 answer